Like many people, one of your top priorities in the new year is growing your wealth. You’re going to read all the money management books and listen to the podcasts. You’ll download apps to help you get smarter about saving money. And this is the year you’re finally going to get more serious about investing.
Whether your only experience as an investor begins and ends with your workplace 401(k) or you already keep a close eye on your portfolio, there are smart investing moves you can make now to position yourself for growth in 2026.
To find out which strategies matter most, GOBankingRates consulted Austin Hankwitz, co-founder and CEO of Witz Ventures and co-host of Rich Habits. He shared some practical advice you can implement right now, before the ball drops.
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Hankwitz encourages you to mark your calendar to make sure you don’t let a few wealth-growing opportunities pass you by before the end of 2025.
“A few that come to mind include maxing out your retirement contributions for 2025 — think 401(k) and 403(b),” he said. “On the Rich Habits podcast, we always tell people to at least contribute up to their employer match so they receive free money.”
You should also ensure your retirement accounts are invested appropriately. For Hankwitz, that means favoring diversified, low-cost index funds, such as those tracking the S&P 500 or Nasdaq-100, which have long track records of success.
Hankwitz’s other pro tip? If you’re part of a high-deductible health plan, remember that you can contribute to a health savings account. HSA contributions are tax-deductible, can grow tax-free and can be invested for long-term goals, making them one of the most powerful — and underused — investment tools available.
If you review the headlines and anxious chatter on social media, you may fear that it’s a bad time to start investing. But Hankwitz cautions against letting fear keep you on the sidelines.
“The cost of inaction is usually greater than the cost of an imperfect start. Time in the market beats timing the market,” he said. “If you’re sitting on the sidelines because you have a hunch about where the stock market is headed — the sooner you realize that’s a fool’s errand, the better off you’ll be.”
No one is expected to know everything about investing and financial markets. That’s where a financial advisor can become a valuable ally. However, not all advisors are created equal, and Hankwitz has suggestions for what to look for.
“Find someone who has the heart of a teacher and is going to treat you like a person, not just another pile of money they manage,” he said. “Find someone who will help you optimize for taxes, because keeping the money you make is just as important as earning more of it.”
He also recommends choosing a fee-only fiduciary, who is legally required to act in your best interest.
Another common mistake many people make is ignoring tax-loss harvesting opportunities.
“Not everyone is a perfect investor, and if you’ve lost money on an investment, consider harvesting those losses to offset gains elsewhere in your portfolio,” he said.
When used correctly, tax-loss harvesting can help reduce your tax bill and improve after-tax returns — without changing your long-term investment strategy.
As you take stock of where you are at the end of the year in many areas of life, your investment portfolio deserves the same attention. Hankwitz recommends reviewing your holdings at least every six months and rebalancing as needed to stay aligned with your risk tolerance.
“Finally, don’t make the emotional mistake of trying to chase stocks that performed well throughout the year,” he said. “Have a plan and stick to it.”
For those who are passionate about contributing to causes they care about, Hankwitz says donating appreciated stock can be a highly effective strategy.
“For example, if you bought 13.3 shares of Palantir stock at the start of the year for $1,000, those shares may now be worth $2,500,” he said. “You can donate those shares to your favorite 501(c)(3) and receive a $2,500 tax deduction, even though only $1,000 of cash left your bank account.”
In addition to supporting causes you care about, donating appreciated assets may help you avoid capital gains taxes on the growth, provided you itemize deductions and follow IRS guidelines.
“It’s a wonderful way to give back to the causes you believe in,” Hankwitz said.
As you prepare for a happy and productive new year, you’re likely thinking about how to grow your wealth more intentionally. According to Austin Hankwitz, the most impactful investing strategies are often simple, but they require consistency and follow-through. Taking a few small steps now could put you in a much stronger position to celebrate a financially successful 2026.
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This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Always consider your individual circumstances and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 6 Investing Moves To Make Right Now To Grow Your Wealth in 2026
